Probe

ABSTRACT

A probe, particularly for enteral feeding of living creatures, with a balloon coordinated to the insertion end of the probe tube, the balloon being fillable with liquid and emptiable in the inserted condition. The probe tube end is secured on a pilot probe and is detachable from the outside.

The invention relates to a probe, particularly for enteral feeding ofliving creatures, by which a balloon is coordinated to the insertion endof the probe tube, which balloon is fillable with liquid and isemptiable in the inserted condition.

Corresponding alimentary probes serving the administration of liquidnutrient in stomachs or for example the duodenum may be formed with amost extremely small caliber, an outer diameter of the probe tube under2 mm being usual. The transfer to the target site takes place with theuse of a guide weight in the form of a liquid substance which enters theballoon which lies on the insertion side. Known intestinal probes makepossible the detaching of the guide weight, which can then leave thetarget site in a natural manner. The use of such probes is however notpossible with constrictions in the intestinal tract, since undercircumstances it can produce an intestinal tract, since undercircumstances it can produce an intestinal obstruction. With the latterits use is completely impossible.

Although cross-sectionally small probes actually projecting frompatients normally, with respect to the introduction as well as the longperiod of lying in bed, are tolerated, thus the introduction in patientswith poor general condition and their consequently dependent passivityare mostly still difficult after all, particularly with faintingconditions.

The object of the invention particularly is to form such a probe ofadvantageous use in a simpler technical manner of production, such thatthe insertion section having little windings is quickly and surelyovercome also without activity on the part of the patients, so that uponreaching the winding multiple zones, the actual target site then reachedwith the use of the filling weight and regulatable ballooncross-section, respectively, and the natural peristalsis.

In the modern ileus treatment, for a long time two lumen probes are used(Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift 110/1968, pages 470-474), whichcarry in the medicine section the designation Miller-Abbott probe. Herethe filling weight indeed is pulled off over an integrated second lineof the probe tube, whereas the other line or chamber communicates withthe stomach or intestinal space. This tube is however relatively thickin cross section and thus rigid so that here first of all the problem ofthe coordination compatibility or tolerance exists. It also can not bebrought to any desired target site and already on this basis it isunsuited as a nutrient or alimentary probe. Correspondingly thick probetubes in addition can not lie for a long time in the patient.

The invention to the contrary provides the use of a probe part whichmakes possible an active insertion only for a limited insertion path andaccordingly a limited time duration. A probe of this type thus fulfillsonly a pilot function. It drags the substantially cross-sectionallysmaller probe tube which is fastened on its tip safely into the selectedexit or starting range. The pilot probe is then disconnected and removedfrom the inserted probe tube end. This disconnection takes place fromthe outside and indeed with the use of a partial filling up of theballoon, which under increasing filling pressure "pushes itself off"from the pilot probe. Concerning this it is advantageous when theballoon, with the use of a clamping connection between the pilot probeand the probe tube, is coupled with the latter. The flexibility of thematerial from which the probe is made, can thereby most favorably beused for achieving an elastic clamping connection, for example,advantageously in the manner that the balloon wall is clamped orsqueezed in a slot of the pilot probe. A corresponding slot may beformed during probe manufacturing with a contemplated probe, or stillalso may be provided anytime on an existing probe, for example, aconventional stomach probe, by providing a corresponding cut. Since apilot probe used of this form, by its tube formation indeed then canhave two slots arranged in diametrically opposite position, practicallytwo clamping zones independent from one another are made, so that thecoordination security which is aimed at exists in spite of thedecoupling which surely can be carried out.

After the exact placement, the liquid can be supplied which forms theguide weight as well as the enlarged carrier cross-section, which takesplace in the manner of the remaining filling of the balloon at the endside, which balloon is closeable by a removable closure member. Such aclosure member can be realized in the form of a nominal or desiredbreaking zone in the balloon wall, or in a likewise favorable manneralso by a strippable collar of the balloon, the latter having an endopening, which collar is slipped on a folded loop. This collar holdstogether the two balloon wall sections that are laid correspondinglyagainst each other, i.e. bent balloon wall sections, until the moment ofthe increase of the inner pressure in the balloon. The preconnection ofa clamping zone with security brings about a timewise succession ofdetaching and opening. The partial filling up alone consequently doesnot cause the opening of the tube. On the other hand by pulling off thefilling weight, a cross-section reduction of the balloon can take placein adjustment or adaptation to given necessities, for example withmechanical obstacles. After opening of the balloon, the supply of thenutrient liquid can be started. The emptied, now slack balloon bodyjoins or follows as a tube zone extending the probe, which zone stepsback cross-sectionalwise indeed still behind those of the cross-sectionof the probes, and as a result of the extremely small wall thickness hasa still greater readiness to adjust to the winding courses. Anotherfavorable form of the construction of a coupling/clamping connectionresides in the coordination of a terminal clamping cap for the clampingof the balloon wall. This cap is blasted off during partial filling,however it remains on the pilot probe body and is again removed togetherwith the latter. Another favorable solution is that the pilot probe onits end possesses a plug-in space for reception of a part of theballoon. The balloon which is predetermined for the insertion of theprobe in sufficient measure, which balloon is folded-in for example innarrow bends, is lead out during partial filling, winding for winding,from this reception space, so that also here a safe decoupling of theprobe tube end from the pilot probe is provided. A correspondingly highsecurity of use is also provided by the measure that the pilot probecontains a pulling member for releasing the coupling connection, whichpulling member extends up to the free end of the pilot probe. Here in anadvantageous manner the pilot probe tube cavity is used for theaccommodation of the pulling member. The end side connection mechanismshere can be embodied such that a loop originating from the balloon bodyprojects into the range of the pulling member, which loop withcorresponding withdrawal of the pulling member releases the balloon. Onthe other hand also still the balloon body itself, with formation of aloop, can be coordinated to the pilot probe such that the pulling memberretains the bend or loop of this balloon, gripping behind the loop in acorresponding manner. The pilot probe can still also be arranged insideof the probe tube, for example formed such that the pulling member whichserves for the decoupling constitutes the pilot probe. Here it can dealwith a steel wire.

Further advantages and particulars of the subject matter of theinvention are closely described in the following on the basis of severaldrawings of illustrative embodiment examples.

FIG. 1 is the probe according to the first embodiment example withillustration of the coupling/clamping connection,

FIG. 2 is this probe with initiated release of the probe tube end fromthe pilot probe,

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pilot probe in individual illustration withillustration of the clamping slot,

FIG. 4 is a section according to the lines IV--IV in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is the probe with the balloon partial filling forming the guideweight, which probe is released from the pilot probe,

FIG. 6 is the balloon in the emptied condition,

FIG. 7 is the probe according to a second embodiment example, with theclamping cap as the coupling/clamping connection means between the pilotprobe and the probe tube illustrated in section,

FIG. 8 is a section according to the lines VIII--VIII in FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is the probe according to the third embodiment example, accordingto which the balloon is accommodated in a reception space of the pilotprobe.[.and.]..Iadd., .Iaddend.

FIG.10 is the fourth embodiment example of the probe with utilization ofa pulling member as the actuating means neutralizing the couplingconnection. .Iadd.and; .Iaddend.

.Iadd.FIG. 11 is a broken-away view of a fifth embodiment example inwhich the pilot probe is inside of the probe tube. .Iaddend.

The alimentary probe comprises a flexible tube 1, the distal end ofwhich continues in a balloon 2 which is equally attached, or separatelycoordinated, however then not removeable. The latter is formed by anextremely thin walled tubular body originating from an end side tubebead 3. Its open end 4 is closed by a closure member 5. The latter isformed in the shape of a collar. For closing the end of the balloon,this collar is slipped on the correspondingly balloon wall sections Iand II which are folded against one another from the fold bend end, sothat it holds together the folded-over sections forming the closureposition VI which is achieved by bending.

The closing location VI lies on the other side of a connection locationV2 between the probe end 6 (which end is formed by the balloon 2) and apilot probe 7. The latter is relatively stiff relative to the probe 1and is formed substantially larger in cross-section, such that it isactively insertable while carrying along the probe tube 1, the latterbeing fastened on its insert side end. Its end 8 has a dome-shaped form.

At any time and thus also in the inserted condition, the probe tube 1 isdetachable from outside of the pilot probe 7. For this purpose aclamping connection is used. The pilot probe 7, for that purpose, in theend range has a small longitudinal slot (stick-in space) 9. A loop Schof the balloon wall W is pulled in the longitudinal slot. For separatingthe probe tube end from the pilot probe 7, a filling medium isintroduced from the free probe tube end, preferably in the form of aliquid substance forming the filling weight, and indeed at first only asa partial filling. The probe tube sided end section of the balloon 2 inthis case enlarging in cross-section, pushes the probe end off from thepilot probe 7 (arrow x) and thereby pulls out the loop Sch (which loopclamps off the remaining space) from the longitudinal slot 9 (arrow y),(the latter slot forming the coupling/clamping), so that in the endstate by the filling pressure a complete separation of the pilot probe 7and the probe tube 1 is brought about. The pilot probe thereafter can bepulled off.

By further filling, now the balloon which forms the guide weight isbrought to the desired cross-section so that with utilization of theperistalsis the tube migrates to the target site. Upon reaching thesame, the balloon 2 is opened by means of finishing the filling. Thecollar-like closure member 5 which is set or matched to a predeterminedfilling pressure, is pushed down from the balloon wall sections I and II(which sections are folded on one another forming the closure positionVI), so that the balloon contents flow off and the supply of thenutrient liquid can be started.

The connection location (or clamp fastening location) V2 is placed suchthat approximately half of the tube which forms the balloon standsavailable for the partial filling. The remaining length is used for theformation of the loop Sch and for formation of the end side closureposition VI.

The slot 9 forms with a tubular shaped pilot probe, two clamping lippairs 11 and 12, respectively, which are diametrical opposite eachother. Corresponding to the longitudinal alignment of the slot 9, theheld section of the balloon is set through the probe cavity 13 as anarrow stay, so that an evacuation or sucking off of the stomachcontents via the wall openings 14, which sucking off is perhapsnecessary during insertion, is not hindered over the pilot probe thenserving as a stomach probe. In lips formed of a tube wall, aparticularly elastic clamping connection is brought between the pilotprobe 7 and the probe tube 1.

The probe according to the second embodiment example differs from thepreviously described, in so far as, there the connection position V2 isformed from a clamping cap 15. This cap, corresponding to thedome-shape, extends from an articulation or hinge position 15' of thepilot probe and is pressed on with clamping of that section of theballoon wall W which is to be clamped. The terminal clamping cap 15causes no enlargement of the pilot probe tip worth mentioning and can becoordinated to the latter attached, welded or also in the manner of anadhesive connection. The end section which hangs over the edge of thecap comprising the balloon wall sections I and II, moreover is closed bythe strippable collar in the above described manner. The embodimentexample according to FIG. 9 differs in so far from the rest in that herethe pilot probe 7, on its introduction-sided end, forms a plug-in space17, which space is formed by a slipped-on or attached sleeve 16. Thisspace receives the end side half of the balloon 2, and indeed withformation of the fold layers indicated in FIG. 9, the last two of whichform the closure position VI of the balloon (balloon wall sections I andII).

The fold layers are prevented from slipping out from the space 17 by aninwardly directed annular shoulder 16' of the sleeve on the exit side.

The embodiment example according to FIG. 10 again provides a modifiedpilot probe 7, in so far as this has a pulling member 18 extending up toits end in the form of a synthetic or plastic wire or steel wire, andindeed for releasing of the coupling connection between the pilot probe7 and the probe tube 1. The pulling member 18 is stored or inserted inthe pilot probe tube and set through a loop 20 in a lock-bolt manner,which loop extends through an opening 19 of the pilot probe wall. Thisloop can be attached directly or can be realized by a loop substantiallyin the type of the loop Sch in FIG. 1. After reaching of the desiredexit point, the pulling member is displaced in the direction of theoutside end of the probe so that the loop 20 is free and exits from theopening 19. The pilot probe hereafter is removeable. The referencecharacters are carried over analogously.

A further embodiment example .Iadd.(FIG. 11) .Iaddend.resides in thatthe pilot probe is arranged inside of the probe tube 1 possibly in theshape of a sufficiently stiff steel core .[.or bore..]. Also anothermaterial pairing is thinkable when this possesses the necessaryslidability with respect to one another. The tube is made of syntheticor plastic material. As the pilot probe, for example, also the pullingmember .[.18.]. .Iadd.18a .Iaddend.which serves the decoupling can beused.

I claim:
 1. A probe means, particularly for enteral feeding of livingcreatures extending from the outside in an inserted condition in thecreatures, comprisinga hollow probe tube defining an insertion end, aballoon constituting an end portion of said probe tube being coordinatedto said insertion end of said probe tube and communicating therewith forfilling the balloon, said balloon being adapted to be filled with liquidthrough said probe tube, a separate pilot probe along said probe tubeconstituting exclusively means for initially inserting said balloon in apush-in path and said insertion end of said probe tube partially intothe living creature, means for emptying said balloon in an insertedcondition detached completely from said pilot probe, said pilot probeextending up to said end portion of said probe tube, grasping saidballoon at a portion other than an end of said balloon, said pilot probenon-fluidly communicating with said balloon, and being completelyseparable from said balloon, said pilot probe further being removablefrom the living creature without said balloon, the latter remaining incommunication with the outside via said probe tube.
 2. The probe meansaccording to claim 1 whereinsaid pilot probe is formed with a stick-inspace, said balloon has a balloon wall, a loop formed by said balloonwall is clamped in said stick-in space of said pilot probe, saidstick-in space of said pilot probe defines a clamp fastening location onsaid balloon disposed at approximately half the length of the balloon.3. The probe means as set forth in claim 2, whereinsaid stick-in spaceis formed as a slot in said pilot probe, said loop is clamped in theslot.
 4. The probe means as set forth in claim 3, whereinsaid slotextends completely through said pilot probe and said balloon wallextends through said slot such that said loop extends outside said pilotprobe.
 5. The probe means according to claim 1, whereinsaid balloon hasa wall, said pilot probe has a terminal clamping cap means for clampingof said wall of said balloon and releasing said wall of said balloonupon a partial filling of said balloon.
 6. The probe means according toclaim 1, whereinsaid pilot probe defines an insertion side end formedwith a plug-in space, a portion of said balloon is removeably disposedin said plug-in space.
 7. The probe means according to claim 1, whereinsaid pilot probe is arranged inside of said probe tube.
 8. The probemeans as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pilot probe holds saidballoon at a fastening location on one side of said pilot probe,saidballoon has two balloon wall sections which are folded together lying onthe opposite side of said pilot probe and said fastening location, andsaid emptying means includes a collar holding said two balloon wallsections folded together, said collar being slidable off said balloonwall sections by a predetermined inner filling pressure in said balloon.9. The probe means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pilot probegrasps said balloon in an unfilled condition thereof during insertiontogether of said pilot probe and said balloon.
 10. The probe means asset forth in claim 1, wherein said probe tube including said insertionend has a substantially smaller cross-section than that of said pilotprobe.
 11. the probe means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said balloonis adapted for being transported to a target site in a filled conditionthereof by peristalsis after the complete separation from said pilotprobe,said emptying means includes, closure means for holding saidballoon closed until a predetermined inner filling pressure occurs insaid balloon at the target site.
 12. The probe means as set forth inclaim 11, wherein said end of said balloon is open.
 13. The probe meansas set forth in claim 1, wherein said pilot probe is formed as a hollowtube.
 14. The probe means according to claim 13, wherein said pilotprobe defines an insertion side end,a coupling connection of said probetube to said pilot probe adjacent said insertion side end, pulling meansfor decoupling said coupling connection, said pulling means is containedin said pilot probe and extends therein up to said insertion side end.15. A probe means, particularly for enteral feeding of living creaturesextending from the outside in an inserted condition in the creatures,comprisinga probe tube defining an insertion end, a pilot probe adjacentto said probe tube, a balloon constituting a probe tube end beingcoordinated to said insertion end of said probe tube, said balloon beingadapted to be filled with liquid, means for emptying said balloon in aninserted condition, means for securing said probe tube end on said pilotprobe detachable from the outside, said securing means defines aconnection position on one side of said pilot probe, said balloon hasballoon wall sections lying on the opposite side of said pilot probe andsaid connection position, said emptying means includes closure means forholding said balloon wall sections together, said closure means forremoving from said balloon wall sections by a predetermined innerpressure in said balloon.
 16. The probe means according to claim 15,whereinsaid closure means constitutes a collar means for stripping offfrom said balloon wall sections by said predetermined inner pressure insaid balloon.
 17. The probe means according to claim 16, whereinsaidcollar means combines said balloon wall sections in a folded-overcondition.
 18. The probe means as set forth in claim 15, whereinsaidballoon has an open end at an end of one of said wall sections. .Iadd.19. A probe means, particularly for enteral feeding of living creaturesextending from the outside in an inserted condition in the creature,comprisinga hollow probe tube defining an insertion end range, saidinsertion end range of said probe tube includes a balloon connected tosaid probe tube and communicating therewith for filling said balloonwith liquid through said probe tube, a separate pilot probe along saidprobe tube extending to said insertion end range of said probe tube,said pilot probe operatively engaging said insertion end range of saidprobe tube, not being in liquid supply communication with said balloon,and constituting exclusively means for initially inserting in a push-inpath said balloon including said insertion end range of said probe tubeinto the living creature with the probe tube extending to the outside ofthe creature, said pilot probe being selectively completely removableaway from said probe tube and said balloon, respectively, with saidpilot probe being removable from the living creature without removingtherefrom said insertion end range of said probe tube and said balloon,respectively, the latter remaining in the living creature incommunication with the outside via said probe tube, means for emptyingsaid balloon in an inserted condition in the creature, with said pilotprobe removed completely from said probe tube and out of the creature..Iaddend. .Iadd.
 20. A probe means, particularly for enteral feeding ofliving creatures extending from the outside in an inserted condition ata target site in the creatures, comprisinga probe tube having aninsertion end range, said insertion end range of said probe tubeincludes a balloon communicatingly connected to said probe tube, saidballoon being adapted to be filled with liquid through said probe tube,a pilot probe extending adjacent to said probe tube, means operativelyengaging said probe tube at said insertion end range by said pilot probefor initially inserting said probe tube and said balloon respectivelyinto the creature and removably disengaging said pilot probe from saidprobe tube and from the creature from the outside, and means foremptying said balloon in an inserted condition in the creature at thetarget site. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
 21. The probe means according to claim 20,whereinsaid emptying means includes closure means, a free end of saidballoon is open, said closure means closing said free end of saidballoon until a predetermined inner filling pressure occurs in saidballoon upon filling the latter via the probe tube at the target site..Iaddend. .Iadd.
 22. The probe means according to claim 21, whereinsaidclosure means is a collar means for sliding off said balloon by saidpredetermined inner filling pressure in said balloon. .Iaddend..Iadd.23. The probe means according to claim 20, wherein said balloonhas balloon wall sections, said emptying means includes closure meansholding said balloon wall sections together, said closure means beingremoved from said balloon wall sections by a predetermined inner fillingpressure in said balloon. .Iaddend. .Iadd.24. The probe means accordingto claim 20, further comprisingpulling means for effecting saiddisengaging of said pilot probe from said probe tube, said pulling meansis said pilot probe itself pulled for removal from outside of thecreature. .Iaddend. .Iadd.25. A probe means, particularly for theenteral feeding of living creatures, comprising a flexible probe tubehaving a distal end and adapted for extending from the outside in aninserted condition of the distal end in the creature, a balloon, adaptedto be filled with liquid, communicatingly connected to said distal endof said flexible probe tube, said balloon adapted at a target site inthe living creature to be filled via said probe tube and emptied intothe living creature, a pilot probe exclusively constituting means forinitially pushing said distal end with said balloon attached thereto inan unfilled condition of the latter into the living creature, said pilotprobe being pushed into said flexible probe tube and for beingseparateable therefrom from outside of the living creature when saiddistal end and said balloon are in the inserted condition in the livingcreature. .Iaddend. .Iadd.26. The probe means according to claim 25,whereinsaid balloon is formed with a free closure end adapted to beopened when the balloon is filled to a predetermined degree at thetarget site. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. The probe means according to claim 26,wherein said free closure end comprises a folded over free end of saidballoon, said free end is formed with an opening, means for holding saidfolded over free end of said balloon so as to close said opening and forreleasing at a certain filling pressure in said balloon constitutingsaid predetermined degree of filling. .Iaddend. .Iadd.8. The probe meansas set forth in claim 25, whereinsaid probe tube is formed of a wire..Iaddend. .Iadd.29. The probe means as set forth in claim 28, whereinsaid wire comprises a core. .Iaddend. .Iadd.30. A probe means,particularly for enteral feeding of living creatures extending from theoutside in an inserted condition in the creatures, comprising a hollowprobe tube having a distal end portion constituting an insertion endregion, said distal end portion includes a balloon communicatinglyconnected to said probe tube for receiving liquid through said probetube from the outside, said hollow probe tube constituting means forsupplying the liquid to said balloon, a pilot probe extending along andoperatively engaging said probe tube constituting exclusive means forinitially inserting in an initial insertion push-in path said balloon inan unfilled condition into the living creature and said probe tubepartially into the living creature with said probe tube extending out tothe outside of the living creature, said pilot probe not being in fluidsupply communication with said balloon, said pilot probe constitutingmeans for being completely removable relative to said probe tube uponreaching said initial insertion push-in path and for being removed fromthe outside from the living creature with said probe tube remainingpartially inside the living creature and extending to the outside withthe balloon remaining in the living creature in communication with theoutside via said probe tube, said balloon constituting means for beingpartially filled with the liquid through said probe tube from theoutside of the living creature and without said pilot tube when thelatter has been removed for moving to a target site by peristalsis ofthe living creature, means for emptying the liquid in said balloon intothe living creature at said target site. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. A probemeans, particularly for enteral feeding of a living creature extendingfrom the outside in an inserted condition into the creature, comprisingaprobe tube defining a distal insertion end region, a balloon connectedto said insertion end region of said probe tube and communicating withsaid probe tube for filling the balloon through said probe tube, aseparate pilot probe along and operatively engaging said probe tube,said pilot probe extending up to said insertion end region of said probetube and constituting exclusively means for initially inserting in apush-in path said balloon and said insertion end region of said probetube into the living creature, said pilot probe being completelyremovable from said pilot probe and from the living creature withoutsaid balloon, the latter remaining in the living creature incommunication with the outside via said probe tube, means for emptyingsaid balloon in an insertion condition in the living creature. .Iaddend..Iadd.32. The probe means as set forth in claim 19, 20, 30 or 31,whereinsaid pilot probe is disposed inside said probe tube during theinitial insertion of said probe tube and said balloon into the livingcreature. .Iaddend. .Iadd.33. A method for supplying liquid into thegastro-intestinal tract of a living creature via a flexible probe tubecommunicating with a balloon releasing its contents into the creature ata predetermined degree of filling of the balloon with the latterattached at a distal end of the probe tube, comprising the steps ofpushing the distal end of the probe tube with the attached balloon in anuninflated condition into the living creature in an initial insertionpush-in path by operatively engaging said probe tube with a pilot tube,with the probe tube extending to the outside of the living creature,from the outside of the living creature removing the pilot probe fromthe living creature, while leaving the distal end of the probe tube andthe balloon inside the living creature with the probe tube extending tothe outside, partially filling the balloon with the liquid, such thatthe balloon with the probe tube connected thereto travels to a targetsite by peristalsis, yet with the probe tube extending to the outside,filling the balloon with the liquid from the outside until thepredetermined degree of filling of the balloon is reached, whereupon theballoon releases the liquid into the creature. .Iaddend. .Iadd.34. Theprobe means as set forth in claim 20, further comprisingmeans forpreventing the balloon from folding back upside down on its lengthduring said initial inserting. .Iaddend. .Iadd.35. The probe means asset forth in claim 25, further comprisingmeans for preventing theballoon from folding back upside down on its length during said initialpushing. .Iaddend. .Iadd.36. The probe means as set forth in claim 34,wherein said probe tube and said pilot probe constitute members, saidpreventing meand is a portion of one of said members. .Iaddend.